The UL Hospitals Group has warned that patients services are expected to be affected in the run up to and during the nurses strike.
It comes as members of the nurses union are meeting with the HSE this afternoon, in an attempt to find a solution to the row over pay and recruitment, which has prompted 6 days of strike action beginning this day next week.
In a statement to Clare FM, the UL Hospitals Group says its continuing to engage with the INMO on contingency arrangements and that a clearer picture on the level of disruption will emerge over the coming days.
Barefield Independent Councillor Ann Norton, who’s a member of the HSE’s Regional Health Forum West insists its vital that every effort is made to avert strike action:
Full Statement From The UL Hospitals Group
We are engaging with the INMO on contingency arrangements around the proposed national strike. Strike committees are in place and contingency meetings are being held by site managers.
However we do expect that patient services leading up to and on the days of the strikes will be impacted and we are working with INMO representatives to understand the level of impact this will have. Over the coming days we expect a clearer picture to emerge and we will share the impact on services with you and patients at that time.
We will continue to have an open dialogue with INMO representatives and to work together for the benefit of both patients and staff.